Waitrose is almost ready to fully reopen the areas of its Wellington store damaged by the fire on 21st July. Manager Chris Reynard said, “Re-building work will be complete by Monday the 9th of December, but with no glitzy opening and business as usual.

Manager Chris Reynard

“Having reopened after the fire on the 15th of August, customers have since seen phased progress throughout the project. We have extended the front of the store by 900 square feet which will allow us to extend some of the aisles, increase some assortments and add an additional checkout etc.

“We are also doubling the size of our fish counter due to popular demand. Our entrance will go back to the original south-west corner over the next two weeks and the cafe will also reopen on the 9th.”

The car park should then become fully operation once builders’ equipment is removed from the site.